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Sunshine Coast, BC
Canada
248 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2012 : 9:02 PM
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So, after a 1/2 dozen rain-soaked, snow-bound grunts on the sea-to-sky over the past few months we raised our hiking poles skyward pleading for merciful respite from this inclement weather. The answer arrived in the form of pretty cheap plane tickets from Seattle to Palm Springs, California. Off we went for a week of Indian Jones style hoofing in 100 degree F heat in the mountains and valleys of the 'Indian Canyons Tribal Lands' ... and to give you some idea of what we're up against, have a look at this rather candid warning ...
They aren't kidding ... these are some serious, a$$ biting reptiles. Which just added to the adventure :-)
After a few words with the park ranger, off we went up the 3 mile long Victor trail, over cactus strewn ridges with the most breath-taking views of the deep, untouched canyons filled with massive ancient groves of desert Palm trees. It's like landing on another planet ... and must be seen to be believed ...
These magnificent groves of original Palms were the home of the local native people for thousands of years. The Archeology, geology and ecology are overwhelming
Climbing higher to the ridge tops, the views of the canyons only got better, but the snake action grew more perilous. The buggers hide under the shade of rocks near the trail. A watchful eye is in order.
We stood on this ridge, in the hot desert wind, just awestruck by the vista below
Eventually scampering down off the ridge we entered the longest of the Palm groves, and basked in the shade and the cool of running spring water. Soon, though we moved on ...
climbing in this heat was a feat, but truly an adventure. Saw Road-runners, Falcons, mountain lion .... did I mention rattle snakes?
Miles and miles of trails, some easy, some arduous, but NO rain and NO snow. This is a happy CT'er, without his snowshoes or rain gear 
The ridge behind me, the palm grove below. Only Rocky the Rattler to get in my way
Inside the grove, at one of the many natural oasis. Cool, breezy wetlands filled with dragonflies, lizards, salamanders and all sorts of plant life.
back up out of the canyon to another ridge, another picture while Mrs. CT'er keeps a watchful eye out for anything that rattles
Friends, this is an amazing place with treks to suit every level of fitness. We did a more hiking in the area, but thought these shots might provide some overview of the area's beauty. The entire Palm Canyon area is under permanent preserve by the tribal council. Their rangers, mostly Apache and Navajo, are really helpful, and will even conduct guided hikes up to the most strenuous level. |
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 Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 10:57 AM
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Way cool!! I haven't seen a rattler this hiking season, yet. But, some of them won't buzz when you pass them. I like roadrunners!! I usuallly don't have my camera ready when I get it out....beep beep!! and they motor on...hehe Always on the lookout.
So, there actually is a "spring" in Palm Springs? Some names of places don't fit.
There is a mountain in Utah which boasts lakes-a-plenty. But, the next mtn over is the one with all the lakes. Seems the Natl Geographic Society screwed up and named the mountains incorrectly. too funny. You have to go to the barren one for the lakes and there isn't even a pond on the other. oops!!
Wonderful pictures!! You will have to come down here, to St. George, Utah to hike. I am only 45 mins from Zion and 1 1/2 hours from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon...longer to the rim if you take 110 miles of dirt road, though.
Is Bob Hope buried there? He was a long time resident and very much loved by the residents, I am told. Ran into a nice couple in Zion the other month who live there. I need to get to
Joshua Tree Natl park some time. I love joshuas. I like the one on the U2 album cover.
I have a secret cache of them that I like to sit in at springtime on my deck chair and melt into the desert as redtail hawks sail around me to catch the updraft from the deep chasm to the north and dive into it only to come up on the western end and circle back over me to repeat the hunting run, again. Sometimes they don't come back around.....hmmmm must have dinner? yum.... Lots of viscious gloss snakes there. tasty, for the hawk, I'm sure.
I really like the palm trees pic. So, is it Native American Indian RES. lands? or a park?
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6895 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 11:18 AM
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| I hiked around in that canyon back in February 2006 when it was a more pleasant temperature. It is a very cool place worth visiting for sure. |
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coquitlam, bc
Canada
133 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 12:23 PM
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Palm Spring is a great area to escape the wet coast and do some hiking. I was in this area in March 2012 and highly recommend it. Andrea's Canyon and Joshua tree also provide many great hikes, 
This is from Joshua Tree  |
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Sunshine Coast, BC
Canada
248 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 12:26 PM
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That land is all Native tribal lands, and they have signed an agreement to keep it untouched. It is really one of America's truly unique landscapes. In fact, it's these desert Palm Oasis' that give 'Palm Springs' it's name. We did some other longer hikes, later in the week, up to an abandoned tungsten mine and over more ridge tops.
The day before we were up at Mt. San Jacinto, 10,800 ft high, 50 miles of trails in lovely White Fir-Pine forests and NO snow :-) We just loved it there, even though it was hyper hot. We spent a long time talking with the Native Park Rangers and really look forward to going back there.
A hike in Utah, now that would be cool ... I visited Bryce Canyon years ago when i was working out of Salt Lake City. That State is amazing, some of the most incredible geography in North America
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4646 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 12:36 PM
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| Agreed - Palm Springs has a lot to offer in terms of hiking . We did one of the trails in Palm Canyon last October - going back this year in November and shall hit Joshua & San Jacinto this time around. Can't wait! |
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Sunshine Coast, BC
Canada
248 Posts |
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The CT'er Palm Canyon Adventure
